ouster

noun

oust·​er ˈau̇-stər How to pronounce ouster (audio)
Synonyms of ousternext
1
a
: a wrongful dispossession
b
: a judgment removing an officer or depriving a corporation of a franchise
2
: expulsion
the ouster of the dictator

Examples of ouster in a Sentence

The news reported the ouster of the dictator. the dictator's ouster by the rebels
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Venezuela’s opposition, which has long counted on the United States for support, continues to call for Cabello’s ouster and democratic reforms. — Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 10 July 2026 Two Democratic commissioners — Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland — were fired by email on Thursday, according to VoteBeat, which first reported the ousters. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 10 July 2026 Macron’s landmark visit, the first by a major Western leader since Bashar Assad’s ouster, brought pledges to restore ambassadors, ease sanctions and fund reconstruction from shattered utilities to Damascus airport cargo facilities. — Omar Albam, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 Macron, who arrived in Damascus last night, is the first major Western leader to visit the country since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in 2024. — Peter Weber, TheWeek, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ouster

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French, from oster, ouster to oust

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ouster was in 1531

Browse Nearby Words

oust
ouster
out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ouster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ouster. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ouster

noun
oust·​er ˈau̇s-tər How to pronounce ouster (audio)
: the act or an instance of ousting or being ousted

Legal Definition

ouster

noun
oust·​er ˈau̇s-tər How to pronounce ouster (audio)
1
: wrongful dispossession especially of a cotenant
2
: a judgment removing a public officer or depriving a corporation of a public franchise

More from Merriam-Webster on ouster

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ouster

Nglish: Translation of ouster for Spanish Speakers

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